Soccer Drama ‘Forza,’ With AC Milan Great Alessandro Costacurta, Heads to Tokyo Market With EST N8 (EXCLUSIVE)

The feature film "Forza," directed by Marco Balsamo, is poised to capture international attention as it prepares for a key market debut in Tokyo later this year. This soccer-themed drama was filmed across diverse locations, notably Bali and Milan, offering a cross-cultural narrative that interweaves the hopes of an Indonesian youth with the legacy of Italian football.

At its core, "Forza" follows Bima, an 11-year-old boy from Bali whose aspirations to become a professional footballer are driven by a desire to improve his family’s circumstances. The storyline gains depth through Bima’s unexpected connection with a retired football legend from AC Milan, a club renowned in global soccer history. This relationship becomes transformative, influencing both the boy and the former athlete as they navigate personal and professional challenges.

The cast includes newcomer Ghazi Alhabsyi in the lead role, alongside notable appearances by Marco Balsamo himself, Tara Sibel Demren, and Alessandro Costacurta, the latter being a celebrated figure in Italian football. The Indonesian ensemble is strengthened by acclaimed actors Atiqah Hasiholan, Oka Antara, and Tio Pakusadewo, all of whom have been recognized with awards at the Indonesian Film Festival, underscoring the film’s strong local talent base.

Balsamo’s involvement extends beyond directing; he co-wrote the screenplay and took on production duties together with Demren. The film is a product of Riva Studios, an independent company co-founded by Balsamo and Demren in 2022, which has recently expanded its scope by acquiring the French animation house TeamTO. "Forza" marks Riva Studios’ entry into live-action feature films.

Prior to its international market appearance, "Forza" will have its first public screening at Jakarta Film Week on October 25. The demand in Indonesia is notably high: tickets for the screenings at CGV Grand Indonesia sold out rapidly, reflecting strong local enthusiasm. The film’s Indonesian theatrical release is planned for 2027 through Adhya Pictures, further highlighting its anticipated cultural impact.

International sales are being managed by EST N8, a company formed from the merger of EST Studios and N8, with offices in Los Angeles and Bangkok. EST N8 plans to showcase "Forza" at the Tokyo International Film Festival’s TIFFCOM market from October 28 to 30. The company aims to bring Asian stories with universal appeal to global audiences, and sees "Forza" as a family-oriented film that transcends linguistic and cultural boundaries through the universal language of football.

EST N8’s leadership team, including Sophie Shi, Jan Paul Villanueva, Cathy Ni, and Shams Pasha, is spearheading the film’s international outreach. Their portfolio includes a diverse range of acclaimed titles across genres and regions, reflecting a commitment to promoting bold and innovative cinema worldwide.

The story of "Forza" is emblematic of independent filmmaking’s challenges and rewards. Balsamo and Demren emphasize the collaborative spirit and persistence required to realize the film, particularly with Indonesia’s significant role throughout its development. The narrative is intentionally crafted to resonate with families, encouraging dialogue around themes of belief, perseverance, and the pursuit of dreams.

Alongside "Forza," EST N8’s TIFFCOM lineup features a variety of genre films from across Asia, including Thai horror, Filipino crime thrillers, Korean science fiction animation, and Japanese horror. This slate represents the company’s broader strategy to elevate Asian cinema on the world stage.

While full audience reactions to "Forza" remain pending, the film’s early ticket sales and festival inclusion suggest a promising reception. By connecting a young Indonesian boy’s ambition with the storied heritage of Italian football, "Forza" offers a culturally rich narrative likely to engage viewers globally, illustrating how sport can serve as a bridge between disparate worlds.